A power worker from Borehamwood has had his long service with the industry recognised by his employer

Stan Walsh, who works for UK Power Networks, joined Eastern Electricity in 1979 as an apprentice electrician and now works as a distribution supply technician, an emergency responder to power cuts.

His favourite part of the job is liaising with colleagues, sometimes in the early hours of the morning, to resolve customers’ power issues quickly and safely.

Mr Walsh, 56, said: "The job I do now is a bit of everything. When I go out to fix power cuts I can be on my own as a first responder, but the thing that keeps me going is when you’re working with colleagues on site figuring out what the problem is and how to resolve it.

"We draw on all of our skills to sort it and you can’t buy that. It’s great when you come on duty and are working with a jointer that you know – you think whatever happens tonight, I’m alright, that guy’s on, we’ll get it sorted.

"When you work well with someone it’s fantastic. How many conversations have I had at 2am in the morning in the middle of the road catching up with colleagues and exchanging stories?

"It doesn’t really happen now that people stay 40 years with one company. I’ve got two daughters and they’ve had three jobs each. It’s a different era.

"I went up in my loft and found my 10 year, 20 year and 30 years certificates and some of my old time sheets and it was a bit of a shock really, it feels emotional to reach 40 years."

Basil Scarsella, chief executive of UK Power Networks, said: "We like to recognise and celebrate the dedication and expertise of our employees, many of whom have lived and worked in the areas we serve for a long time.

"Their work keeping the lights on is usually carried out behind the scenes, but it is very valuable in helping everyday lives run smoothly and contributing to the success of local economies."